The following article originally appeared in a local publication

How to choose a Real Estate professional

In choosing a Real Estate Professional to guide you through the process of buying or selling what is most likely your largest asset, your home, look for integrity, experience, professionalism, and community involvement.

With any business relationship, honesty and integrity should be valued above all else. All real estate agents must undergo training and pass an exam to be licensed in the State of Kansas. Agents are governed by the rules, regulations and ethics of the Kansas Real Estate Commission.

Experience and knowledge will impact your choice. Experienced agents have simply been exposed to more situations. Agents may also seek further training and certifications in a particular area or market segment.

“A good real estate professional is one who is focused on the customer’s success” said Dave Neal, of Dave Neal and Associates Realtors®, a top real estate leader in Wichita. “The way you do that is by listening to and communicating with clients. First, you need to know what their goals are for the transaction to be successful. Second, you need to communicate, so they understand, how you intend to achieve those results.”

Both buyers and sellers are entitled to real estate representation. The Listing/Seller’s Agent assists in pricing the home and attracting buyers through marketing efforts including MLS listings, advertising and open houses and are responsible to the seller.

Equally important are Buyer’s Agents who guide buyers through the entire process including locating properties, previewing and gathering information, arriving at a realistic offering price, and protecting their interests if an issue arises.

When selling your home the importance of marketing cannot be overlooked. Look for an agent who approaches marketing as a tool and not the end all. Effective marketing should be strategic and professional and their approach should make sense and be customizable for your property.

“There are many variables including price, location, property condition, and market conditions that can affect a sales period,” Neal said. “What you really want is an agent who has a plan that addresses these issues realistically and strategically.”

“Buyers use many different means in looking for a home and the newspaper is only one of them. The internet, realtor recommendation, MLS listings, signage, open houses, advertising, professional home staging, and more can all drive potential buyers to a property.”

Professional home staging is a marketing tool that helps prepare a property for showing. Staging helps remove anything that could confuse the buyer or cause a negative reaction and replace it with elements that connect with buyers making the property more presentable and memorable.

Even the most experienced agents are better with a quality support staff behind them. While supporting the agent, a good support staff is really supporting you, the client. They are vital to the process, can facilitate the transaction and are skilled in the art of paperwork.

Finally, when choosing a Real Estate Professional look for an agent who is also concerned and involved with the community. This may not effect your transaction but it will affect the community we all live in.

Why Choose Dave Neal and Associates REALTORS®

10 Keys to Selling Your Home This useful tool helps homeowners understand how selling their home is not a one step process, but rather a series of tactics to bring about the seller’s desired results.		Website & Technology Over 90% of home buyers start their search online. We have evolved our website over the years to be a tool for buyers and sellers alike. Additionally, online now means mobile access through smart phones to reach customers at the home
Homeowners Equity Advantage Program Simply put, if you are not happy with our services for any reason you can cancel the contract. We offer several plans to choose from, no up front costs and commissions as low as 1% if you bring the buyer.		Professional Advertising Dave Neal and Associates REALTORS® prides itself on innovative, forward thinking design and marketing to help draw attention to your home, communicate clearly and build excitement for buyers. We generate effective exposure to your property utilizing multiple medias.
Professional Home Staging When selling your home a key tactic is to make your home appear buyer friendly by reducing clutter, depersonalize it and fixing worn items. It is about making the best first impression possible. Dave Neal and Associates REALTORS® offers a FREE Staging Analysis with all listings.		Building Your Dream Home Our extensive knowledge in new home sales and construction has led us to develop our exclusive new home guide. This guide walks you through the custom building process and helps you make timely decisions to stay on time and on budget.
Preparing Your Home For Sale The key to getting top dollar for your home is making sure it is in “buyer ready condition”. Our extensive experience with buyers, led us to develop this guide for sellers wanting to maximize the value of can sell for. Every detail is an opportunity for money in your pocket.		Community Involvement We believe in making a difference: Inspire Hope Run The Women’s Fair Extreme Makeover Home Edition Ronald McDonald House Golf Tourney Fellowship of Christian Athletes Veterans Administration Hospital Union Rescue and more
Over 30 years success Our vast knowledge and experience has made us an industry leader for over 30 years. We care about the families we serve and listen to their desires to put together a strategy based on their goals. It may sound simple, but it has worked for over three decades.		EcoStewardship Dave Neal and Associates REALTORS® have made a commitment to you and your children’s future through promot- ing life sustainability in clean air, clean water and clean soil! By design, education, conservation and innovation we can make a difference.